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By Chapters Books & Gifts
This is Tory's list of *good* middle-grade books with queer representation. Tory no longer works at Chapters, but we respect her judgment and are leaving her recommendations here to help kids and families choose books with quality representation. She considers all of these books to be age-appropriate for mid/upper elementary students, but parents/guardians/teachers should use their own discretion, as every child and family situation is different.
Freeing Finch
Ginny Rorby
$16.99
$15.80
MTF trans main character | A surprising amount of nuance, especially for a MG book! Characters with both good and bad qualities. It really felt like these were real people trying to do the right thing (the father figure in particular), and maybe making mistakes, but that's life. And some truly excellent trans representation.
Ana on the Edge
A. J. Sass
$7.99
$7.43
NB/genderqueer/exploring protagonist; FTM trans side character No discussion of sexuality -- just gender identity. Great for middle-grades!
The Best at It
Maulik Pancholy
$9.99
$9.28
gay main character | An absolutely precious story! Racial, cultural, and sexual identities all handled with perfect poise. I'm typically very hesitant about going too far into sexual orientation in middle-years books, but this was exactly the right level of discussion in an incredibly accessible manner. Humor, heart, and growth.
How to Become a Planet
Nicole Melleby
$16.95
$15.76
gentle, sweet queer exploration | Really honest and so realistic. The first MG account of depression I've read that focuses on the kid's depression, rather than an older relative/friend, and doesn't sugarcoat it.
Birdie and Me
J. M. M. Nuanez
$8.99
$8.36
gender-creative little brother | Very sweet story, with realistic, flawed characters trying their best in tough situations. A lot of heart and empathy.
The Paris Project
Donna Gephart
$7.99
$7.43
gay best friend | Cute, charming, and funny. Deals with an incarcerated parent and a friend coming to terms with their sexuality in an easy-to-digest way for middle-grade readers.
Fight + Flight
Jules Machias
$16.99
$15.80
Sapphic story; MTF trans mother; two moms; disability rep (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome); character with anxiety/panic attacks | A little heavy-handed from time to time but overall a good message! Avery is so punk rock. TW: active shooter drill
Pet
Akwaeke Emezi
$17.99
$16.73
MTF trans main character | Fantastic, perfectly-done #OwnVoices representation that wasn't the focus of the story but just enriched it (LIKE REAL LIFE, m'friends!) and lovely writing with evocative vocab.
Lily and Dunkin
Donna Gephart
$16.99
$15.80
FTM trans main character | Very earnest and sweet! (TW for repeated use of the f-slur.)
Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers
Caela Carter
$16.99
$15.80
enby secondary character | After finding a report that lists the 54 things "wrong" with her, Gwendolyn is bound and determined to fix her problems. You will laugh and cry and RAGE with her as she tries and tries again to "be good," and you'll come out the other side being a braver, stronger advocate for inclusivity and understanding -- since the only thing "wrong" with Gwen is a society that tries to fit everyone into a tiny box. Caela Carter is an expert at relatable, lovable characters negotiating timely, real-world challenges. I'm calling it right now: this is going to be a Newbery winner.
Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)
Kathleen Gros
$13.99
$13.01
ANNE AND DIANA ARE GIRLFRIENDS <3 <3 <3 <3